Every GST-registered business must file GSTR-1 (outward supplies) and GSTR-3B (tax summary and payment) monthly or quarterly, and GSTR-9 (annual return) if turnover exceeds ₹2 crore. Timely and accurate filing is essential to avoid late fees (₹50/day), interest (18% p.a.), and to ensure your buyers can claim input tax credit on purchases from you. BigMind Consulting manages monthly GST return filing and reconciliation for businesses in India and India.
GST return types and due dates
| Form | Description | Due Date | Who Files |
|---|---|---|---|
| GSTR-1 | Statement of outward supplies (sales invoices and debit/credit notes) | Monthly (11th of next month) or Quarterly for QRMP filers (13th of month following quarter) | All regular GST-registered taxpayers |
| GSTR-3B | Monthly summary return showing output tax, ITC claimed, and net GST payable | Monthly (20th of next month). QRMP filers pay tax via PMT-06 quarterly | All regular GST-registered taxpayers |
| GSTR-9 | Annual return consolidating all monthly returns for the financial year | Annually (31 December for the preceding FY) | Taxpayers with aggregate turnover >₹2 crore |
| GSTR-9C | Reconciliation statement comparing GSTR-9 data with audited financial statements | Annually (31 December — filed alongside GSTR-9) | Taxpayers with aggregate turnover >₹5 crore |
| CMP-08 | Quarterly self-assessment return for composition scheme taxpayers | Quarterly (18th of month following quarter) | Composition scheme taxpayers |
| GSTR-4 | Annual return for composition scheme taxpayers | Annually (30 April for the preceding FY) | Composition scheme taxpayers |
GSTR-1 — Statement of Outward Supplies
GSTR-3B — Monthly Summary Return & Tax Payment
Input Tax Credit (ITC) Reconciliation
ITC reconciliation — matching your purchase records with GSTR-2B — is critical for every GST-registered business. Unclaimed ITC is lost money; overclaimed ITC triggers tax demands and penalties.
Download GSTR-2B
Auto-generated monthly ITC statement showing ITC available from suppliers who filed GSTR-1
Match with Purchase Register
Reconcile every invoice in GSTR-2B against your internal purchase records and GST-paid invoices
Follow up on Missing ITC
Contact suppliers who have not filed GSTR-1 — their unfiled invoices will not appear in your GSTR-2B
Late fees and penalties for non-filing
| Scenario | Late Fee | Interest |
|---|---|---|
| Regular return (GSTR-1 / GSTR-3B) | ₹50/day (max ₹10,000) | 18% p.a. on unpaid tax |
| Nil return (no supplies in period) | ₹20/day (max ₹10,000) | N/A (no tax due) |
| GSTR-9 (Annual Return) | ₹200/day (₹100 CGST + ₹100 SGST), max 0.25% of turnover | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B?
GSTR-1 is a statement of outward supplies (sales invoices) that you have issued during the month or quarter. GSTR-3B is a summary return that shows your total GST liability (output tax), input tax credit (ITC) claimed, and the net tax payable for the period. Both must be filed separately and on time.
Can I claim input tax credit (ITC) on purchases if my supplier has not filed their GSTR-1?
No. Your ITC entitlement depends on the supplier's GSTR-1 being filed and the invoices appearing in your GSTR-2B (auto-populated ITC statement). If a supplier does not file their GSTR-1, you cannot claim ITC on that invoice, even if you have the physical bill and have paid GST to them.
What is the late fee for not filing GST returns on time?
For GSTR-3B and GSTR-1: ₹50 per day (₹25 CGST + ₹25 SGST) for regular returns, or ₹20 per day (₹10 CGST + ₹10 SGST) for nil returns. The maximum late fee is capped at ₹10,000 per return (₹5,000 CGST + ₹5,000 SGST). Interest at 18% per annum applies on unpaid tax.
Is GSTR-9 (Annual Return) mandatory for all GST-registered businesses?
GSTR-9 is mandatory for taxpayers with aggregate annual turnover exceeding ₹2 crore in a financial year. Businesses with turnover up to ₹2 crore are exempt from GSTR-9 filing. GSTR-9C (reconciliation statement and audit) is mandatory for businesses with turnover above ₹5 crore.
What is the composition scheme and how does it affect GST return filing?
Businesses with turnover up to ₹1.5 crore (₹75 lakh for service providers) can opt for the composition scheme and pay GST at a flat reduced rate. Composition dealers file CMP-08 (quarterly) and GSTR-4 (annual return) instead of GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B. They cannot issue tax invoices or claim input tax credit.
Related Guides
Need help with GST return filing?
BigMind Consulting handles monthly GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, and annual GSTR-9 filing for businesses across India. Book a free consultation.
BigMind Consulting · GST Filing & Compliance · India